Ian Wright believes Newcastle United's training camp in Saudi Arabia has come at the 'perfect time' and will provide a 'rejuvenating' boost in their bid for survival.
Eddie Howe's side arrived in Jeddah on Sunday for warm-weather training, a day after securing a vital victory away at Leeds United.
Part owner Amanda Staveley has accompanied the team for the trip, while husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi remaining in the UK to assist with transfer negotiations.
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The Magpies will play a friendly against Al-Ittihad as part of the week-long visit to Saudi Arabia, and will not return to competitive action until they host Everton on February 8.
The trip has been viewed as a further step in 'sportswashing' from critics who continue to oppose the takeover and club's ownership on a humanitarian basis.
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However, former Arsenal striker Wright believes the mid-season break will have an 'amazing' impact on a side which has only won twice all season.
Newcastle sit a point adrift of safety following the 1-0 win at Elland Road, and the pundit is now confident Howe's side can avoid relegation.
Wright told the Ringer FC podcast: "I would have loved to have had the winter breaks, because if you're doing badly or you're doing well, you get time with the guys in a different kind of environment.
"I'm really, really excited to see what happens with Newcastle when they come back. People say 'ah there they go, flying off, look at them, they're so lucky'.
"The fact is, you get such a rejuvenating vibe from going and being with the guys, doing stuff like swimming, just chilling and being able to sit and chat.
"I'm telling you, it's amazing what it can do for them. I think I said Norwich, Burnley and I think I said Newcastle [to go down].
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"Now, Watford... I think Newcastle have got something going on and I watched Burnley the other day and it's going to be tough for people to beat Burnley, but can they score?
"I feel like boy, Newcastle are going to make it. The winter break is good for them, it came at the perfect time for them."
